Fogging Machine Illuminator Attachment for Spray Pattern Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fogging machines face challenges in visualizing the spray pattern of liquid exiting the nozzle, especially in dark areas, due to inadequate illumination solutions that often create shadows and glare.
Innovation Solution
An illuminator attachment that snaps onto the wand near the nozzle, featuring a cradle for a flashlight and a positioning ramp to direct the light obliquely, providing clear illumination of the spray pattern and allowing real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a flashlight is attached to the wand or body of the fogging machine, then illumination is provided, but shadows and glare are created making it difficult to see the spray pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective surface as an intermediary between the flashlight and the spray pattern. The flashlight provides illumination, the reflective surface redirects the light at an oblique angle onto the spray pattern, and this indirect illumination path avoids creating shadows and glare on the spray pattern, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing illumination and avoiding harmful visual effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimension of light delivery by using a reflective surface to redirect light at an oblique angle rather than direct illumination. This dimensional change in light path geometry allows the light to illuminate the spray pattern from the side, eliminating the shadow and glare problems associated with direct front or rear illumination
2Reliability
If the illuminator attachment is permanently fixed to the wand, then stable illumination is provided, but versatility across different wands is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illuminator attachment into separable components that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The attachment mechanism includes removable elements that allow the illuminator to be securely fixed to one wand and easily removed to be attached to another wand, thereby maintaining stable illumination during use while providing versatility across different wand types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the attachment mechanism with universal features that can accommodate different wand types. The attachment includes adaptable components such as adjustable straps or universal mounting interfaces that can secure the illuminator to various wand configurations, making the same illuminator attachment compatible across multiple wand models while maintaining reliable illumination
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective illumination of the spray pattern, facilitating even application and real-time adjustments, particularly in dark environments, enhancing usability and versatility across various fogging machine setups.
Implementation Method 1
The spray pattern reflects the light toward the user
Data Source
AI summary
A device is disclosed that may include a housing configured to snap onto a wand of a fogging machine near the nozzle. In addition, the device may include a positioning ramp fixedly attached to the housing. The device may include a cradle configured to hold a flashlight fixedly attached to the positioning ramp. Moreover, the device may include where the positioning ramp is configured to aim the beam of the flashlight obliquely at the nozzle to illuminate the spray pattern of the air liquid mixture exiting the nozzle. Also, the device is further configured to allow real-time adjustment of the spray pattern and droplet size of the air liquid mixture. Further, the device may include the apparatus being removably attached to the wand such that it may be utilized on various wands.